80 Years of JBL: From Studios and Stages to Everyday Life



 Samsung Newsroom:

The devices people use to listen to music and the ways they enjoy it have changed over time. How has JBL, the professional audio brand of HARMAN, a Samsung subsidiary, maintained its appeal amid these shifts?

As JBL celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2026, the company’s history is closely intertwined with how people create and enjoy music. Audio technologies refined in recording studios and live venues have made their way into everyday life, while JBL’s products have evolved alongside changing listening habits. Decades of innovation and experience have helped define JBL’s signature sound.

Samsung Newsroom traces JBL’s 80-year journey through its iconic products and defining moments in the infographic below.

A Look at JBL's 80 Years of Audio Innovation Story



 Source:

 
Click to expand...
I read somewhere, years ago, the most movie theaters use JBL speakers.
 

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My JBL noise cancelling earbuds are good but chose PMC Prodigy 1 for main hifi speakers
 

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Steve C said:
My JBL noise cancelling earbuds are good but chose PMC Prodigy 1 for main hifi speakers
Click to expand...
I have JBL ear buds, the first pair died (they were a gift) 2nd pair, I don't use, as I got another set that was much cheaper and way better. JBL: no ear holding device, just stick in ear. Others, have that thing like glasses do that you can grab and place over your ear. The app/software that installs on phone is a pia (IMHO) if it disconnects and you don't have the charging case with you to put in and you loose pairing connection, you are screwed. My cheapo ones sound great and pair up with the charging case nearby. Plus, they don't need an app.
 

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I've a set of JBL L100T I purchased on Guam at the Navy Exchange store Brewer Field some time in 1985. One of these days I'll get around to refurbishing them.
 

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Ghot said:
I read somewhere, years ago, the most movie theaters use JBL speakers.
Click to expand...
I used JBLs in the IMAX theater I helped to design and build (1983-84).

IMAX_075-sharpen-focus.webp

IMAX_080-sharpen-focus-Edit.webp
 

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Scannerman said:
I think the best speakers I've ever heard were made by these guys:

www.bowerswilkins.com

Nautilus - Iconic 120v floor-standing speakers | Bowers & Wilkins - United States

After almost 30 years, the Nautilus still defines high-end audio. Hand-built to order by a specialist team, nothing looks or sounds like Nautilus.
www.bowerswilkins.com www.bowerswilkins.com
Click to expand...
If you ever get the opportunity to listen to Wilson Audio speakers, especially the WAMM Master Chronosonic, do it - make the time. Dave Wilson made the finest speakers you could ever listen to. He used recording of his wife's voice to design and tune his creations. Yes, I made the time and was blown away!

Wilson WAMM Master Chronosonic speakers

I did find a used WAMM Master Chronosonic available for $200,000 (plus $5,000 delivery).
 

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